England: Max Ranft (Interact)
Program: UW Global Launch in London
Last Saturday morning, I draped myself in red, navy blue, and white. After exiting the tube at Highbury and Islington, I joined the crowds of fans marching towards the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal games were a staple of my Saturday morning routine for years. I would come downstairs, and my sisters and I would watch our heroes play in a stadium surrounded by legend.
The walls, tunnels, and streets of the surrounding areas were wrapped in murals of the giants I had only ever seen on television. Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Tony Adams, their painted eyes reflected the pride and history of the club.
Coming to London, one of the first things on my bucket list was to visit the Emirates. What I did not expect was the energy and vibrancy that hummed in the air, as more and more fans flowed down the street.
Despite my jersey, I was quickly identified as a foreigner. As I talked with fans walking up the stairs, they were all intrigued as to why, out of all teams, I chose Arsenal. To them, it was heritage, it was an unbreakable tradition. They grew up watching the games, just like their parents before them. And they were more than happy to welcome me into the family.
Max Ranft
Program Name: UW Global Launch in London
Major: Business and Economics
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin